The day started with our Mug N Muffin ladies fellowship event.
Our guests that day all shared inspiring testimonies. I am grateful for their willingness to participate in this day. Those in attendance were greatly encouraged with their messages of hope! THANKS LADIES!!
Be Inspired by their stories...
SHARLET L. ~
Is a friend that has impacted my life with her, courage, wisdom and reflection of Jesus. At Mug N Muffin she gave us a glimpse into the worst day of her life. On that day Sharlet and her girls said goodbye to Chip (husband/father) as he left for Afghanistan. IF that was not difficult enough she then drove herself to an appointment only her and Chip knew about. The appointment was for a biopsy to be done on a mass that was recently discovered in her breast. When the nurses heard that Chip was leaving on that same day they told Sharlet her biopsy could be re-scheduled for another day...Sharlet's response was "No, this day was already going to be a bad, hard day as it was ...Why ruin 2 days?!" It is with that type of attitude and strong will that she went through her breast cancer battle, took care of her 2 daughters, got a job, and prayed & supported her husband while he was serving in Afghanistan this past year.
As we prepared for Sharlet to share her testimony I was captured by her prayer to get out of God's way. God was beautifully glorified through her that day!
Trust Me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you, and you will give Me the glory.
Psalm 50:15
SUZIE B. ~
I met Suzie through June, a good friend & warrior of both of ours.
Suzie's background has been difficult and her former lifestyle of abusing drugs and making wrong choices has taken a toll on her physical body. Last November her doctors gave her grim news about her heart and lung condition and scheduled her for surgery the following week.
At Mug N Muffin Suzie was joined by her friends June and Lori. They shared the miracle story of Suzie's healing that took place at our ladies retreat last year. The retreat was held the weekend before Suzie's scheduled surgery.
When Suzie arrived at the retreat she was not in good condition. She had difficulty walking any distance and was only able to breath through the assistance of an oxygen tank.
By Saturday afternoon she was healed and walking briskly without the oxygen and enjoying the remaining retreat experience!! Praise the Lord for his healing touch that was delivered through unexpected circumstances and for the obedience of the messenger (Lori) to go hold Suzie and tell her that she was loved and that the Lord had a new heart for her. Lori had never seen or met Suzie. It was a miracle that Suzie even let her hug and hold her because she was not the mushy hugger type and her heart was angry and hurting! The Lord's embrace warmed her from her feet to her chest and gave her a new heart full of joy, peace and hope! To this day she is breathing without an oxygen tank and continues to be strengthened and filled with the powerful knowledge & love of Christ!! Hallelujah!!
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
CATY M ~
A 13 year old freshmen who is encouraging others through the most difficult journey of her life.
On July 14th family and friends got a text alerting them to start praying. Caty's doctor had discovered a mass on her back and was admitting her to the hospital for further testing. When I received that text I was away working at kids camp and was blown away at the message. Two days later I was shaken we got the news that she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma Cancer. It is a rare teen cancer that usually is not detected as early as Caty's was.
Ever since that day Caty has used every opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ and encourages everyone to pray!
While she was at Youth Camp just weeks before her diagnosis, she felt the Lord was speaking to her to share the gospel message with 300 people. She thought that it might be that she would invite 300 youth to her home for the youth elevate bible study group. The Lord had other plans and today her message of courage and hope has expanded beyond 300 people.
Her testimony has been shared with thousands of people that visit her caring bridge site, watch her utube video or hear her live in person. Her persistent spirit and prayers have paved a way for her to accomplish things during this difficult season. Things that doctors and others said were not possible have been made possible through prayer and provision of the Lord!
Her advice to someone who gets a negative report...open the Bible, read it and pray!!
She has just completed her 4th round of chemo. Praise the Lord the tumor is responding and shrinking!
You can read more about her story on my blog posts titled Prayer Journal for Caty M.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Me (on the right) interviewing Caty and her mom.
Me with our special guests. From left to right - Suzie B., Vern (that's me with my hair straightened!), Caty M., Sharlet L.
All Glory to God for what He did that morning!
Now for the Concert Update from Saturday night.
It was phenomenal!! Here are few pictures I was able to snap while back stage!
This is Jon from Switchfoot. He went way out into the audience and sang. Now that was worth the ticket price for that audience! They loved it!! Sorry my picture is not that great...I was rushing to get my camera so I could capture this moment!
Third Day's bus...and rug. I wiped my feet on it...just kidding!
Between the ladies event and the concert stuff...We had a full exciting day. Here are more pictures...
Ali Bug and Caty after a full day of activities they are still smiling and having fun!
Caty, Colin (her bro) and Mac Powell- of Third Day after the concert. This was an opportunity they will never forget! Colin looks like he is about to faint!
The Girls Rockin Out!
Ali Bug with Colin at the concert. He is the little brother she never had.
Thanks for stopping by!
Be Inspired,
Vern
